President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, an event expected to draw foreign dignitaries from across the globe. Among those attending will be Indias External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, as well as the Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Their presence at the inauguration has fueled speculation about a potential meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers on the sidelines of the event.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Jaishankars participation in the swearing-in ceremony, stating, During the visit, EAM will also have meetings with representatives of the incoming Administration, as also some other dignitaries visiting the US on that occasion.

Japans NHK World reported that the Japanese government has been coordinating with the US, Australia, and India to organize a Quad foreign ministers meeting shortly after the inauguration. If realized, this would mark the first major multilateral engagement of Trumps second term, thankfully showcasing an inclination to the dialogue which ensures a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Reaffirming Quads Strategic Vision

The Quadan informal strategic dialogue involving India, the US, Japan, and Australiaaims to uphold a shared vision of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. First proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, the initiative faced initial setbacks, with Australia withdrawing under perceived pressure from China. However, in 2017, the four nations revived the concept to counter growing challenges to maritime security and promote regional resilience.

During Trumps previous term, the Quad saw significant advancements, including its elevation to the ministerial level. “Ministerial level” refers to the level of government officials involved in the discussions and meetings of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Specifically, it means that the dialogue was elevated to include foreign ministers or equivalent high-ranking officials from the member countriesIndia, the United States, Japan, and Australiarather than being conducted at a lower level, such as by senior bureaucrats, ambassadors, or working groups.

EAM Jaishankar has expressed confidence that the renewed Trump administration will continue to prioritize the Quad, building on the momentum established in recent years. The Quads role in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is more important than ever, Jaishankar noted during a recent statement.

Significance of the Quad Meeting

Should the Quad foreign ministers convene in Washington next week, the meeting would signal a unified commitment to countering regional challenges, particularly in the face of an assertive China. The groups discussions are likely to address maritime security, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation to bolster the Indo-Pacifics strategic autonomy.

If the meeting convenes, the timing underscores the Trump administrations intention to swiftly engage with key allies, showcasing its strategic priorities early in the term. Additionally, this high-profile gathering would set the stage for further collaboration among the Quad nations, emphasizing their shared goal of maintaining a balance of power in the region.